[foreverromantic]

I bought two bedroom lamps that have a Three Way Twist Switch. Does that mean I need to use a special three way bulb in them? Could I use a normal bulb say 60 watts alone. I understand that doing that may cause damage to the switch parts or lamp. Please advise. Thank You.

[hkstroud]

Does that mean I need to use a special three way bulb in them?

Yes, if you want the three levels of light. The 3 way light bulb has two filaments in it. Usually one filament is 50 watts and the other is 100 watts. On the first switch setting the 50 watt filament burns. On the second switch setting the 100 watt filament burns. On the third setting both the 50 watt filament and the 100 watt filament burns giving you 150 watts of light. The fourth setting is off.

Could I use a normal bulb say 60 watts alone.

Yes. On the first switch setting the light will burn because contact will be made to the center (first) filament. On the second setting the light will be off (because there is no second filament). On the third setting the light will again come because contact will be made to the first (center), but there is no second filament so the brightness will be the same as the first setting. These types of lamps were popular before dimmer switches were readily available.

I understand that doing that may cause damage to the switch parts or lamp

Incorrect no damage will occur.

[ballengerb1]

Agree, Harold is spot on